From Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education and Student Experience    

I want to bring you up to date on the UCU marking and assessment boycott that is due to begin tomorrow (Thursday 3 March).

As I said in last week’s email, we do regret that the Union plans to go ahead with this action, though we are continuing our talks with the local reps to see if we can reach a solution and avoid the boycott.

Webpages – more information and support

We have updated our webpages with information about what we know so far about what the marking and assessment boycott will involve, how it might affect you, and what we are doing to ensure your studies continue as smoothly as possible. You will also find sources of advice and support.

There is also some background information on the reasons the UCU has called this boycott.

What this means for you  

Although it is impossible to tell at the moment what effect the boycott will have on individual students, we are continuing to put in place mitigation plans so that no-one is disadvantaged by this action. The effects are likely to vary from Division to Division, depending on the number and spread of UCU members taking part, and we will be monitoring the situation closely day by day and taking action where necessary to protect your studies.

Once again thank you for your patience during this period. I recognise that it has been a difficult time for you all; we are doing everything we can to limit the effects of the industrial action on you and your studies.

With all good wishes,

Richard

Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education and Student Experience